Tuolumne County Masters Swim for Local Hospital

Tuolumne County is the second poorest county of the 52 counties in California. Tuolumne County Masters (TCAM), coached by Patti Scott-Baier, challenged its swimmers to raise $100 each to donate to the Cancer Patient Support Fund at Sonora Regional Medical Center, the only hospital in the county.

The funds are used strictly for local cancer patients for such things as help with rent or house payments, utilities, transportation, housing at distant sites for treatment, groceries, childcare or any other expenses that might keep a patient or the family afloat during treatment for cancer.

One hundred two participating members collected pledges for the annual 1650 swim, using strategies such as a dollar a lap ($66), $16.50, or any other random amount from family, friends or co-workers. They raised just over $16,500! This nicely fits the 1650, working out to $10 per yard, and far surpassing any expectations.  The three highest fundraisers all collected over $1,000 each. Donations were tax deductible, which made fundraising that much easier.  The facility manager joined in the effort with a year's free membership to the highest collector of donations and three months to the second and third as incentive.

TCAM has a little over 350 members out of a community of 50,000 county residents. Their message: "We just thought you all should know what is going on up here in the Sierra foothills. Any of you can do something similar; just use your imagination. Tuolumne County Aquatic Masters rocks!"